Sparks lose to the Sun, 87-61

UNCASVILLE, Conn. -- Lindsay Whalen scored 13 of her 22 points in the third quarter and the Connecticut Sun beat the short-handed Sparks, 87-61, Thursday night.

The Sparks were without Lisa Leslie, Candace Parker and DeLisha Milton-Jones, all of whom were all suspended for one game by the WNBA for their involvement in Tuesday’s altercation with the Detroit Shock. The three Olympians combined to average 48 points and 24 rebounds.

Shannon Bobbitt and Murriel Page were each suspended for two games, but Page was able to play because teams must be able to suit up a minimum of eight players. Page will start serving her suspension tonight when the Sparks play in New York.

“I feel bad for the Connecticut fans since we only come here once a year,” Sparks Coach Michael Cooper said.

Without their three stars Thursday, the Sparks (14-11) were forced to start Jessica Moore, Sidney Spencer and Temeka Johnson and struggled offensively, shooting 35%.

Sandrine Gruda scored 16 points for Connecticut (15-10).

--

TONIGHT

at New York, 4:30 PDT, NBA TV

Site -- Madison Square Garden.

Radio -- 1150 (7 p.m.)

Records -- Sparks 14-11, Liberty 13-10.

Record vs. Liberty -- 0-1.

Update -- When the Sparks and New York met July 1 at Staples Center, Lisa Leslie was in foul trouble and played only 12 minutes in an 89-78 loss.

-- Dan Arritt